Fijian history began with the arrival of the first settlers, believed to be from Southeast Asia, around 3,500 years ago. These early inhabitants developed a rich culture, establishing communities and engaging in agriculture and fishing. Over centuries, various tribes emerged, each with its own customs and social structures. In the 19th century, European explorers and missionaries arrived, leading to significant changes in Fijian society. The islands were ceded to the British in 1874, becoming a colony. Fiji gained independence in 1970, and since then, it has experienced political changes and ethnic tensions, particularly between the indigenous Fijians and Indo-Fijians.